NATURE

Weather Wise

Gibson Woods Sunday, April 5

1 p.m.

Register at 219-844-3188

Free

hat do you know about the weather? Will it be sunny or cloudy, rain or shine? All around the world since the beginning of time, everyone’s favorite question has been, “How’s the weather?” Learn about the phenomenon that affects all of our lives from a guest speaker from the meteorology depart- ment at Valparaiso University. Registration is required for this free program. This program fulfills BSA requirements. W

Get Skunked Campfire

Oak Ridge Prairie

Monday, June 8

Register at 219-844-3188

Free

7:30 p.m.

It’s a Wild, Wild Woods at Gibson Woods

ou never know what you might encounter while walking in the woods. Watch your step and be careful not to step in a mole hole or get slimed by a snail. Join a Lake County Parks naturalist for a morning of exploring and learning about nature and unravel some of Y

its mysteries. Registration is required: 219-844-3

188

“Nature’s Recyclers” 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

(ages 10-14) Wednesday, July 8

Fee: $5

From mushrooms to moles we will investigate all the elements of soil. Dirt is more than just the stuff we sweep off the floor. It’s made from rock and holds the ingredients for life. Find out how plants soak the dirty mess beneath our feet and turn it into the stuff we eat. Then con- duct a nature FBI investigation to reveal what scavengers do to return

nutrients back into the soil.

S kunks, raccoons, and opossums come to life around this comfortable and cozy campfire. This program will not stink as we look into their survival skills. See what can be done to keep ‘coons out of coolers. Find out why opossums are so abundant. Discover that some animals will eat skunks. Bring a stick to toast marshmallows.

Summer Solstice Celebration “The Longest Day”

Oak Ridge Prairie Saturday, June 20 Register at 219-84

4-3188

6:30-8:30 p.m. Free

t’s the longest day of the year when the sun aligns with the constella- tion cancer and begins its backwards journey marking shorter days to come. This astronomical landmark has been significant since pre- historic times. Join us to explore the history of how different cultures celebrate the solstice in the past and present through poetry, stories and crafts. Pre-registration is required. I

“Reptiles and Amphibians” (ages 7-10)

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15

Fee: $5

It’s all about snakes and turtles, frogs and salamanders. We’ll have turtle races, live like a snake with no arms or legs, and play secret sala- mander. There will even be opportunities to touch a turtle and snake. It’s a “hoppin good time. We won’t forget about lizards.

“UG! It’s A Bug” 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

(ages 7-10) Wednesday, July 22

Fee: $5

The best way to overcome our opponent is to become the opponent. We’ll play mosquito tag, investigate dragonflies, and become bees. Then we’ll take a look at the lighter side of bugs like butterflies and dis- cover that these crawly critters may not be bad after all.

“Discover Nature” Camps at Gibson Woods

Solar Energy

Gibson Woods Sunday, June 28

1 p.m.

Register at 219-844-3188

Fee: $2

earn how our greatest energy resource is being used for “green” energy. From calculators to buildings, energy from the sun is mak- ing our world a cleaner place to live. Make your own “solar oven” to take home. If it is sunny, we will make a snack using the oven. Reser- vations are required along with a $2 fee to cover cost of materials. This program is for ages 10 and up. L

hat can you discover in your own back yard? Find out at the Discovery Nature Camp. Learn some interesting and fun facts about how plants and animals have adapted to survive. We will be learning with games, crafts and hiking through the woods. Since some activities will be outdoors be sure to dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent. W

Fee: $10 includes both days Registration required: 219-844-3188.

Interactive Educational Programs

ave you visited Gibson Woods and want to learn more? We have devel- oped interactive educational programs that are designed for special interest or home schooled groups to do on their own. These programs, which are available free on our website, meet Indiana and Illinois educa- tional requirements for 5th to 7th grade science. Topics available now are “Poison Ivy” and “Fire Ecology”. Visit www.lakecountyparks.com and click on the Educational Resources button. H